A 28-year-old Solsberry woman was arrested on July 13 on a warrant for neglect of a dependent after her two young children were found unaccompanied walking on East Tulip Road near Beech Creek Lane in Solsberry.

Greene County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Jordan Allor arrested Marissa Katherine Dyer on a warrant for neglect of a dependent.

On July 2, Allor responded to a call of two juveniles walking on East Tulip Road. Upon his arrival, he found the two juveniles and adult witnesses – one was the owner of the property where the kids were at the time while two were the ones who spotted the juveniles while driving.

According to the probable cause affidavit, both juveniles had what appeared to be marker and dirt on their skin. One of the kids was wearing a t-shirt and underwear, while the other was just wearing a t-shirt. The older child, according to the probable cause, seemed to be non-verbal, while the younger child was too young to speak.

Allor attempted to call Dyer several times but was unable to contact her or leave a voicemail. He also attempted to call her mother and was unsuccessful. He was able to leave a voicemail for her mother.

Allor requested Deputy Caleb Sipes respond to Dyer’s residence. The residence, according to the probable cause, was approximately one-quarter of a mile from where the kids were located. Deputy Sipes had his body cam on and according to the probable cause affidavit, Sgt. Allor observed him knock on the door and announce himself. While waiting for an answer, a toddler, whose clothes were heavily soiled and diaper was soiled so much that it was sagging down, walked outside. It was also observed that the toddler’s skin was very dirty. Allor observed Sipes continuing to announce himself as the toddler went in and out of the residence.

After being at the residence for approximately 13 minutes, Dyer came to the door while talking on the phone. She allegedly told the person on the phone she needed to end the call because the kids decided to run off. She alleged they wanted to run off and escaped while she was in her bedroom. At that time, it had been an hour and three minutes since a call had been made to the Sheriff’s Department in regard to the kids walking on the side of the road.

Dyer, according to the probable cause affidavit, told Sipes one of the kids doesn’t leave the house on his own often but has before. Sipes asked if she had fallen asleep in the back bedroom and she alleged she might have sat down for a few minutes and if she had fallen asleep it wasn’t intentional.

When Sgt. Allor arrived at the residence with the kids, he told her he didn’t understand how she didn’t know they were missing. She alleged the front door can be opened and shut quietly and she didn’t realize they had gotten out.

Her bond was set at $4,000 surety with 10% cash allowed. She was released after posting $400.

She is being charged with neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 Felony. She is scheduled to appear in Greene Superior Court on July 31.